Archive for the 'Smart Grid' Category
September 1st, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Columbia University researcher Shahzeen Attari conducted a survey of 505 Americans in 427 different zip codes, and 34 states, about energy conservation. Her study indicated that the sample group was not aware of the most effective measures they could take to save energy. Turning lights off was selected as the best choice by the survey participants. Options such as purchasing fuel efficient cars, energy conserving appliances and weatherizing homes, which actually do make an impact, were not popular with the participants. Attari said that many people in the study seemed to believe in taking steps like turning off lights or unplugging cell phone chargers. 2.8 percent of the participants said that sleeping more and relaxing more would reduce their energy consumption.
Continue reading ‘Americans in the Dark about Energy Conservation’
August 28th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Industry survey reveals challenges of smart grid conversion efforts. As efforts to modernize the electricity grid role out across America, there’s evidence that using smart grid technology will prove a tough sell to consumers, according to “Smart Grid: Achieving Customer Buy-in” a new report by Energy Business Reports.
Continue reading ‘Achieving Customer Adoption of the Smart Grid is Key to its Success’
August 23rd, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Beacon Power Corporation has finalized a $43 million loan guarantee from the Department of Energy for an innovative flywheel energy storage project in Stephentown, NY. The 20 megawatt Flywheel Plant is the latest step by New York State toward improve its electric grid management, and is the first of its kind in the world.
Continue reading ‘Improving New York’s Electric Grid’
August 20th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
A Danish architectural firm is taking a well-known method of energy storage and applying it to renewable energy, turning unused land surrounded by water into Green Power Islands. The firm, Gottlieb Paludan, is setting up solar and wind farms on these islands then using the surrounding water as energy storage via pumped hydro.
Continue reading ‘Green Power Islands: A Solution for Renewable Energy Storage Problems?’
August 17th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
When the final whistle blows, demand for electricity usually soars, causing a headache for energy companies. Researchers at the University of Leeds and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have now found a way to manage these short-lived draws on the electricity grid that could half the fuel needed.
Continue reading ‘Energy Storage System Deals with Sudden Draws on the Grid’
August 16th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Dirt-filled tires, plastic bottles, rebar and heart could be the recipe for solving the shelter problem for the million or more homeless survivors of the Haiti earthquake. The buildings, called Earthships, provide solid, environmentally sound housing at low cost; best of all, they can be built by the Haitians themselves.
Continue reading ‘Can Haiti Be Rebuilt with Old Tires and Heart?’
August 10th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
One of the Obama administration’s most successful initiatives is involving just about every part of the U.S. government in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. The latest development involves the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) working with the Russian Energy Agency (REA). The two government agencies will collaborate on energy efficiency, smart grid technology, and clean energy projects. The World Bank Group has estimated that realizing its full energy efficiency potential could save Russia up to US$80 billion a year.
Continue reading ‘USAID and Russia Sign Energy Efficiency Agreement’
August 5th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
Yesterday marked Barack Obama’s 49th birthday. As one of the youngest presidents the United States has ever elected, he assumed his position as the world’s most influential figure with big plans for change, and a slogan of “yes we can” to rally the masses behind his vision.
Continue reading ‘President Obama’s Birthday: A Time to Celebrate Renewable Energy?’
July 27th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
New U.S. claims for jobless benefits fell to their lowest level in two months, offering cautious hope for an economic recovery that had shown signs of fatigue. The bigger-than-expected decline in jobless claims was a relief after a slew of weak reports had left investors fearing the economy could slip back into recession. “Talk of a double-dip may be a little premature. Investors jumped on the double-dip bandwagon, but we don’t really see it,” said Alan Lancz, president at Alan B. Lancz & Associates in Toledo, Ohio.
Continue reading ‘Jobless Claims Drop Offering Hope for Recovery’
July 26th, 2010 by EBR_EBdaily
As with any potential investment decision, preparation and research are necessary elements to conduct before a prudent, well-informed decision can be made. The Green industry is still in its emerging growth stage, and while there are many companies with revenues and reasonable market capitalizations, the sector is predominated by newly formed enterprises that are still searching for a profitable business model and have yet to recognize any material revenue streams at this point.
Continue reading ‘Five Essential Steps for Becoming a Successful Green Investor’